Pakistan’s import payments to Saudi Arabia decline to $720 million in July–September FY27 amid Middle East tensions and shipping disruptions.

KARACHI, October 25, 2026: Pakistan’s imports from Saudi Arabia declined by 18.55 percent year-on-year during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and reported shipping difficulties.

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Pakistan’s import payments to Saudi Arabia fell to $720 million in July–September FY27, compared with $884 million in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

Saudi Arabia remains a major source of petroleum products for Pakistan. However, disruptions to shipping routes across the Middle East have reportedly affected imports from the kingdom.

Monthly figures also showed a decline in September. Pakistan’s import payments to Saudi Arabia stood at $225 million in September 2026, down from $330 million in September 2025.

The September figure was also lower than the $231 million recorded in August 2026, indicating a month-on-month decline in import payments.

Despite the quarterly decrease, Pakistan’s annual imports from Saudi Arabia increased in the previous fiscal year. The country’s import payments to the kingdom reached $4.04 billion in FY2025-26, compared with $3.75 billion in FY2024-25.

The latest figures highlight a shift in Pakistan’s import payments during the opening months of FY2026-27. Continued uncertainty surrounding regional shipping routes could remain a concern for petroleum supplies and the country’s overall import bill.

However, the quarterly data alone do not establish how much of the decline resulted directly from geopolitical tensions or shipping disruptions.